Foldable massage chairs are available in many places and, like massage tables, vary greatly in price. On the internet, massage chairs often look almost identical. So, how can one cost 60 euros while another costs 300 euros? When researching online, this can be confusing. In this complete guide, we will explain everything you need to know to buy a massage chair that will last for years, whether you are a professional or a hobbyist.
Table of Contents
1. Dimensions
2. Stability & sturdiness
3. Adjustment options
4. Cushioning & upholstery
5. Weight & mobility
1. Proper Dimensions of a Massage Chair
The first thing to consider when buying a massage chair is the correct dimensions of its various components. This is often not clearly communicated by manufacturers, but it is crucial for client comfort.
Seat Dimensions
Look at the image above. Which seat do you think is more comfortable? At Zengrowth.nl, we choose the seat shown on the right. Cheaper massage chairs often have smaller seats to reduce production costs.
Armrest Dimensions
The size and shape of the armrest greatly affect comfort. Generally, a crescent-shaped armrest (as shown in the right image) is more comfortable than a square or oval one (left image). The width of the armrest also plays a major role.
Chest Cushion Dimensions
A small chest cushion can be uncomfortable, especially for broader clients. Cheaper massage chairs often have narrower chest cushions, while a wider one is more comfortable.
2. Stability and Sturdiness of a Massage Chair
Several factors determine the stability of a massage chair. One is its weight capacity—generally, the higher the capacity, the more stable the chair. However, be cautious with claims from cheaper manufacturers, as they can sometimes be unrealistic.
Frame Material
The frame material has limited influence on stability. More expensive chairs are often made from aluminum because it is lighter. Cheaper models are usually made from steel, which is heavier but not necessarily less stable. Some models are made from wood, but these are less common.
The material used for the headrest frame significantly impacts durability. Cheaper chairs often use plastic headrest frames, which break more easily. Aluminum frames are standard in higher-quality chairs as they are more reliable.
Frame Type
There are two common frame types that look similar but differ greatly in stability: The frame shown on the right is much more stable than the left. Although they may look identical, this small difference brings significant comfort.
Screws and Hinges Quality
The quality of screws, bolts, and hinges also affects sturdiness. Cheaper chairs often have parts that loosen quickly, requiring frequent tightening. More expensive chairs have higher-quality fittings that stay firm longer.
3. Adjustment Options for a Massage Chair
A high-quality massage chair should be adjustable to suit clients of different sizes and shapes.
Common adjustment points include:
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Headrest
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Chest cushion
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Armrest
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Seat
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Knee panels
Headrest Adjustments
Most chairs allow headrest angle and depth adjustments. Higher-end chairs also allow adjustments in the space between the chest cushion and headrest, enhancing comfort for clients with longer necks.
Chest Cushion Adjustments
While most chairs offer height adjustment for the chest cushion, premium chairs also allow angle adjustments for optimal client comfort. Some come with additional cushions, which can be helpful for female clients.
Armrest Adjustments
Cheaper chairs often use a notched adjustment system, limiting control over height and angle. Ideally, armrests should have separate height and angle adjustments for maximum comfort.
Seat Adjustments
Seat adjustments are often combined (height and angle together). However, premium chairs allow separate adjustments, which is useful for positioning clients in different ways, such as backward seating for leg massages.
Removable Knee Cushions
Premium chairs often have removable knee cushions. Some clients prefer to place their legs in front of the chair rather than behind the supports. This flexibility can enhance comfort.
4. Cushioning and Upholstery of a Massage Chair
The upholstery and cushioning greatly affect comfort and durability.
Upholstery
The upholstery determines how the chair feels against the skin. Although clients typically wear clothing during chair massages, areas such as the face and arms are still in contact with the upholstery.
Durability is crucial, as thin or inelastic upholstery tears easily. Most manufacturers do not cover upholstery tears under warranty, so choose elastic, durable upholstery.
To test upholstery quality:
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Pinch and twist it slightly.
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Release and observe how quickly it returns to its original shape. High-quality upholstery will recover quickly without deformation.
Common Upholstery Materials:
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PVC vinyl leather: Cheaper, rougher on the skin, and similar to plastic.
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PU leather: More expensive and considered premium. It feels softer, is more environmentally friendly (chloride-free), and is easier to clean. However, PU leather quality varies widely.
At Zengrowth.nl, we distinguish between 'Standard' and 'Premium' PU leather. Premium PU leather is more elastic, durable, and comfortable but also more expensive.
Cushioning
A common misconception is that people think a thicker mattress and thicker padding automatically mean a higher-quality massage table. However, this is not entirely true! Although mattress thickness is an important factor, it is even more important to look at the quality of the foam used.
The big problem is that there are no standards that provide meaningful information about foam quality. With massage chairs, you often see the use of two foam layers. The surfaces for a mattress are much smaller than those of a massage table, so two foam layers are usually sufficient.
You often see that the top foam layer has a low density, which feels softer and supports the body correctly for optimal comfort. The bottom foam layer has a higher density, providing more support when you apply more pressure as a chair masseur. With a high-quality massage chair, the client will never feel the hard frame of the chair.
5. The weight and mobility of a massage chair
The last factor to consider when purchasing a massage chair is its weight and mobility. As a chair masseur, you often work on location, for example, at companies or events.
It is convenient if the chair is easy to fold and unfold and not too heavy to lift into a car. Fortunately, most massage chairs, unlike massage tables, are relatively light. The heaviest foldable massage chair we found weighs only 13 kilograms, and the lightest no more than 7 kilograms.
Despite massage chairs being much lighter than massage tables, it is still useful if the chair or its carrying bag is equipped with wheels. This makes it easier to roll the chair wherever you need it.
Why buy a massage chair from ZenGrowth?
At Zengrowth.nl, we focus on high-quality products at competitive prices. All our foldable massage chairs come with at least a 2-year warranty to guarantee quality. Some higher-priced models even come with a 10-year warranty. Most models are available directly from stock, and you can always return them within 30 days.
Remember: A high-quality massage chair may initially feel like a significant investment, but it will generate extra income in the long term. You will be able to use the products for longer. The improved service for clients will also lead to increased revenue!
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